Editing Viognier (section)

==Viticulture==
[[File:Viognier leaf at Red Willow.jpg|left|thumb|Viognier leaf growing in [[Red Willow Vineyard]] in [[Washington State (wine)|Washington State]]]]
Viognier can be a difficult grape to grow because it is prone to [[powdery mildew]].  It has low and unpredictable yields and should be picked only when [[fully ripe (wine)|fully ripe]].  When picked too early, the grape fails to develop the full extent of its [[aromas (wine)|aromas]] and tastes.  When picked too late, the grape produces wine that is oily and lacks perfume.  Winemakers in the Condrieu often pick the grapes with a level of sugar that will produce wine with alcohol in the 13% range.<ref name="Clarke pg 278">O. Clarke ''Encyclopedia of Grapes'' pg 278 Harcourt Books 2001 {{ISBN|0-15-100714-4}}</ref> When fully ripe the grapes have a deep yellow color and produce wine with a strong perfume and high in [[ethanol|alcohol]] .<ref name="Robinson pg 754"/> The grape prefers warmer environments and a long growing season, but can grow in cooler areas as well.

In France, the [[Mistral (wind)|Mistral]] has a distinct effect on the Viognier vineyards in the Northern Rhône. The wind tempers the [[Mediterranean climate (wine)|Mediterranean climate]] of the region, and cools the vines down after the severe heat of summer.<ref name="Clarke pg 278"/>

Wine expert [[Remington Norman]] has identified two distinct strains of Viognier — an "Old World" strain, most common in Condrieu, and a "New World" strain, which is found in the Languedoc and other areas. Although made from the same grape, the two strains produce distinctly different wines.<ref name="Clarke pg 277"/>

The age of the vine also has an effect on the quality of the wine produced.  Viognier vines start to hit their peak after 15–20 years.  In the Rhône, there are vines at least 70 years old.<ref name="Clarke pg 279">O. Clarke ''Encyclopedia of Grapes'' pg 279 Harcourt Books 2001 {{ISBN|0-15-100714-4}}</ref>